Aaior K. Comfort
A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed a N2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Mr. Lucky Okodeh, the former Caretaker Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa, until November 28. The suit concerns the alleged involvement of the Nigerian Army in the killings of 17 soldiers in Okuama, Delta State.
During the court session on Thursday, Justice Binta Nyako agreed to the adjournment following a request from Okodeh’s lawyer, Asmau Yunusa, who needed more time to respond to a counter affidavit submitted by Mimi Ayua, counsel for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.
Okodeh, represented by prominent lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, filed the suit against the CDS and the Chief of Army Staff (CAS), Taoreed Lagbaja. He alleges that the defendants unlawfully published his photograph among those wanted in connection with the Okuama killings, thus infringing on his rights to personal liberty and dignity.
In his suit, Okodeh seeks N2 billion in damages, along with a request to annul the declaration against him. He claims that the allegations have severely impacted his political career and forced him into hiding.
During the hearing, Yunusa informed the court that she had just received the counter affidavit from the CDS the day prior and required time to prepare a response. She also noted that the CAS was not represented in court.
Justice Nyako encouraged both parties to seek an amicable resolution rather than prolonging the matter unnecessarily, which could waste taxpayer resources. She scheduled the next mention for November 28 and ordered that the CAS be served with the hearing notice.
In his affidavit, Okodeh argued that although his name was not explicitly listed among the wanted individuals, his photograph was published alongside a name that does not belong to him or any of his family members. This incident occurred after the tragic killing of 17 Nigerian Army officers on March 14 in Okuama. The Defence Headquarters had declared eight individuals wanted in connection with the incident.
Okodeh was a chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the local government elections in April but claims he was compelled to withdraw his candidacy due to the negative impact of the wanted publication. In addition to the damages, he is requesting a permanent injunction to prevent his arrest and a public apology from the Army leadership, to restore his reputation and allow him to live freely.